The county treasurer serves as the county’s banker, responsible for the safekeeping and prudent investing of public funds. As the lawful custodian of county funds, the treasurer has the responsibility to receive and distribute the revenue and public monies of the county.
The treasurer must keep an account of all monies received by the county and all monies paid out, stating the time, to whom payment is made, and on what account payment has been made. Payments must be specifically authorized by law or by the county board. The treasurer must invest and reinvest any funds that are not used within 30 days. Investments are made in savings accounts, treasury bills, certification of depositions, and other interest-bearing bank accounts which allow for the liquidity, safety of principal, and maximum return of investment.
The county treasurer also serves as the county collector of taxes. The county collector is responsible for the preparation of tax bills and for the collection and distribution of property taxes. Real estate taxes are due in two yearly installments. Upon receipt of the tax monies, the county treasurer proceeds to disburse these funds to the various taxing districts. Along with the collection of real estate taxes, the county treasurer also collects Mobile Home Local Service Taxes.
The county treasurer holds a tax sale at the end of every tax year to sell the tax on parcels that remain unpaid. The county treasurer gives notice of the intended application for judgment of sale of delinquent lands and lots by the publication of a notice in the local press. Properties for which the taxes haven’t been paid for two or more years will be for sale by an annual sealed bid auction. The purpose of the sealed bid auction is to return delinquent and deteriorating property to productive us as quickly as possible. For this reason, the amount required to be paid by the tax purchaser is less than the accumulated tax delinquencies.
Clinton Bigard is the current Jasper County Treasurer.
Jasper County Treasurer’s Office
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jasper County Office Building
204 West Washington Street, Suite 4 Newton, IL 62448
E-mail: cbigard@jaspercounty.illinois.gov
Phone: 618-783-3211